New to the community

[Ukedude]

Hello all. I am new to the community. I've always had nervousness in life and excitable energy, but not until I had an episode 8 years ago that had me in the hospital did I realize I have a condition. I was very depressed at that time. I was told I had bipolar. Since then I have on and off been to a few therapists and psychiatrists and different meds. I have all this time been on geodon. At first on a high dose which made me feel like a zombie. Dizzy tired. I have continued to have anxiety and depression seems to hit me the most during the winter. Certain triggers affect me. Times of higher stress whether it be financial stress or work stress. My anxiety definitely affects me at work and in my marriage. I am trying my best. I try meditation and now realize going for a light swim while breathing deeply helps. Wondering if anyone in the community had other tips for managing this and how to live happier. Good days and bad days. Curious as well about job advice if anyone cares to share. My recent roles have been in sales which is very stressful and hasn't been working for me with my anxiety. Thanks much and wish anyone else who is going through this or any other struggles the very best in the fight!

[Stilltrying_]

Hi, not sure why you haven't had any replies but I noticed and thought it isn't nice not to get any replies so I'll give it a try. I'm not bi-polar so I'm not really qualified to comment but it sounds like you are doing the right things except that like you say the sales job is stressful. Maybe keep a look out for something which is a bit less "high pressure". Try and get the lowest effective dose of the meds as I know they can cause massive fatigue. That is something which I'm sure you're probably working on with your mental health professionals.

Also diet, mood diaries ( noting which time of day things feel worse or better and what you have done or eaten or whatever which you think may have affected your mood) may help you understand and manage your condition better. It may be that certain foods could be introduced and tried ; I expect you could find information about this by googling "bi-polar disorder and diet" or something like that.

I would think that regular exercise makes sense as it does for everyone but like you say nothing too strenuous. Just try and make your life as stressfree as you can whilst maintaining work and social contacts.

Sorry if this is a "rubbish" reply, but i've tried! Gemmalouise XX

[Ukedude in reply to Stilltrying_]

Thank you very much for the response. I came to the community to see if there are other people out there with similar struggles as mine and a support network to encourage everyone to a good life. I am so happy you responded. Yes I am working with my mental health professionals it has been tough...a game of patience and persistence. I have to maintain my job house and family while battling this condition. I finally found doctors I can see that can work with me and my work schedule. I can't afford to take too many days off from work for doctor visits. I will check out the google search you suggested. Every day trying for progress not perfection!! Thanks for the support!!

[Ukedude]

Thank you so much for the response. I really appreciate it! Kudos to you for the awesome progress you have made and the hard work. I understand what you mean about the breathing. When anxiety gets the best of me I feel my heart racing and at worst up all night with no sleep. I have to keep in mind breathing helps! I like the advice on routine. My wife gave me oils like lavender and frankensense which help a little. I try to drink green tea or chamomile tea too . I would like to keep in touch if that's ok!